Local Members of Parliament and Local Government leaders have welcomed the announcement by Federal Shadow Transport and Infrastructure Minister, Anthony Albanese that an elected Federal Labor Government will work with the State to ensure key public transport projects, including the Gawler line electrification could become a reality.

In February this year Infrastructure Australia backed the State Government’s vision of major improvement to the public transport network, including the electrification of the Gawler Rail Line.

Local State Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo said the State Labor Government has long considered the Gawler electrification a high priority.

“That is why we Decided go it alone when the Federal Liberal Government reneged on a long-standing Commonwealth commitment to partner with the State Government on the project,”

Mr Piccolo said. “The State Government has committed $152.5 million to begin electrification to Salisbury in 2017, and with a Commonwealth contribution, the full line could be completed sooner.”

Mr Piccolo said the commitment by the Federal Labor Party is good news for the Light Electorate as an electrified rail network will deliver benefits to both train users and the community at large. Federal Member, Mr Nick Champion said the electrification of the Gawler Rail Line is one of nine projects identified by Infrastructure Australia as being of priority for the economic development of the State.

“Since the Federal Liberal Government came to power, South Australia has seen an ongoing attack, on jobs resulting in the nation’s highest unemployment rate. We need infrastructure projects like the Gawler line electrification to kick-start jobs creation,” Mr Champion said.

“Only the Labor Party believes in public transport and infrastructure investment. When Federal Labor was in office, Labor increased infrastructure investment from $109 to $272 per South Australian.”

“Unfortunately the current Federal Liberal Government has walked away from South Australian investment and South Australians, cutting $318 million from South Australian infrastructure projects.”

Gawler Mayor Karen Redman said Gawler has one of the highest growth rates in the state so this announcement is encouraging news for our community.